National origin discrimination in Illinois occurs when an employee is treated different based on ethnicity or accent. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and employer may not make any employment decision based on national origin. 

Additionally, employers must take appropriate steps to prevent and correct unlawful harassment which is based on the national origin of an employee or the perceived national origin. For example, if an employee is from Spain but the other employee think this person is from Iran and harass the individual based on this false assumption, the employee being harassed would have a valid national origin claim based on the false assumption that he was from Iran.

An employer may not have English only rules for employees unless the job requires it or for safety reasons.  Also, unless an employees accent materially affects the employees job performance, an employer may not discipline the employee based on his accent.

Because of the war on terror and the sentiment of the nation after 9-11, many patriotic people of various nationalities are being subjected to discrimination.  We are a nation of immigrants and the melting pot of the world.  It is unlawful for an employer or the employees of an employer to target you because of your national origin.  Although all nationalities are protected, right now people from Middle Eastern nations seem to be getting the most discrimination based on national origin.

A thorough investigation of the facts is required to ferret out whether you are the victim of discrimination based on national origin or religion.  I see an overlap on these two categories and in some cases it requires filing on both. 

Don't be afraid to stand up for your rights.  I am here to help protect your rights and to protect your ability to work.   If you believe you are being targeted, keep a log, save emails and text messages and report your concerns in writing to the company.

Please contact Pete at 312-505-5038 if you believe you are a victim of discrimination.